Chapter One

Scofield Referenced Notes

Key SRB = Scofield References JFB = Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary AC = Adam Clarke Comentary Scofield Notes Book Introduction - 2 Thessalonians Read first chapter of 2 Thessalonians WRITER: The Apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 1:1) DATE: Second Thessalonians was evidently written very soon after Paul's first letter to that church. The occasion may well have been the return of the bearer of the former Epistle and his report. THEME: The theme of Second Thessalonians is, unfortunately, obscured by a mistranslation in the A.V. of 2 Thessalonians 2:2 where "day of Christ is at hand" (See Scofield "1 Corinthians 1:8") should be, "day of the Lord is now present" (See Scofield " 2:12", ref). The Thessalonian converts were "shaken in mind" and "troubled," supposing, perhaps on the authority of a forged letter as from Paul, that the persecutions from which they were suffering were those of the "great and terrible day of the Lord," from which they had been taught to expect deliverance by "the day of Christ, and out gathering together unto him" (2 Thessalonians 2:1) The present letter, then, was written to instruct the Thessalonians concerning the day of Christ, "and our gathering together unto him" 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 and the relation of the "day of Christ" to the "day of the Lord." First Thessalonians had more in view the "day of Christ"; the present Epistle the "day of the Lord." The Epistle is in five divisions: Salutation, 1:1-4 Comfort, 1:5-12 Instruction concerning the day of the Lord and the man of sin, 2:1-12 Exhortations and apostolic commands, 2:13-3:15 Benediction and authentication, 3:16-18 Old Version 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, angels (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4") . The Second Epistle of Paul The Apostle To The Thessalonians Writer: The Apostle Paul (1:1). Date: Second Thessanonians was evidentaly written very soon after Paul's first letter to that church. The occasion of the letter may well have been the return of the bearer of the former Epistle, and his report. Theme: The theme of Second Thessalonians is unfortunatelyobscured by a mistranslation in the A.V. of 2:2, where "day of Christ is at hand" (1 Corinthians 1:8; See Note Page 1212_2) should be "day of the Lord is now present" (Isaiah 2:12, References). "For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: The Thessalonian converts were "shaken in mind" and "troubled," supposing, perhaps on the authority of a forged letter as from Paul, that the persecutions from which they were suffering were those of the "great and terrible day of the Lord," from which they had been taught to expect deliverance by "the day of Christ, and our gathering together unto him." (2:1). The present letter, then, was written to instruct the Thessalonians concerning the day of Christ, "and our gathering together unto him" (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) and the relation of the "day of Christ" to the "day of the Lord." First Thessalonians (See 1 Thessalonians Introduction) had more in view the "day of Christ"; "and our gathering together unto him" (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) and the relation of the "day of Christ" to the "day of the Lord." First Thessalonians had more in view the "day of Christ"; the present Epistle the "day of the Lord." The Epistle is in five divisions: I. Salutation, 1:1-4. II. Comfort, 1:5-12. III. Instruction concerning the day of the Lord and the man of sin, 2:1-12. IV. Exhortations and apostolic commands, 2:13-3:15. V. Benediction and authentication, 3:16-18. See 1 Thessalonians Intro. 1271_a; 2 Thessalonians 1:1, unto the church of the Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 1:1; See Introduction Page 1267. 1271_b; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, and the charity of every one of you love. 1271_c; 2 Thessalonians 1:4, we ourselves glory in you in the churches 2 Corinthians 9:2. 1271_d; 2 Thessalonians 1:4b, Churches (local). 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 4; 1 Timothy 3:5, 15, 16. (Acts 2:41; Philippians 1:1.) 1271_e; 2 Thessalonians 1:4c, persecutions and tribulations that ye endure James 5:11. 1271_f; 2 Thessalonians 1:5, Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God Philippians 1:28. 1271_g; 2 Thessalonians 1:5b, of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Hebrews 10:32, 33. 1271_h; 2 Thessalonians 1:6, Seeing it is a righteous thing Revelation 6:10. 1271_i; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Jesus shall be revealed from heaven Christ (Second Advent), 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:8. (Deuteronomy 30:3; Acts 1:9-11.) 1271_j; 2 Thessalonians 1:7b, from heaven with his mighty angels the angels of his might. Ref. Note Page 1291_1, with his mighty angels 1271_k; 2 Thessalonians 1:7c, with his mighty angels Hebrews 1:4. See Note Page 1291_1. 1271_l; 2 Thessalonians 1:8, In flaming fire taking vengeance Day of Destruction, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:19, 20. (Job 21:30; Revelation 20:11-15.) 1271_m; 2 Thessalonians 1:8b, that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Gospel. 2 Thessalonians 2:14. (Genesis 12:1-3; Revelation 14:6.) 1271_n; 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 3:7. 1271_o; 2 Thessalonians 1:9b, and from the glory of his power Isaiah 2:19. 1271_p; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, When he shall come to be glorified Matthew 25:31. 1271_q; 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Wherefore also we pray always for you Bible prayers (N.T.). 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. (Matthew 6:9; Revelation 22:20.) 1271_r; 2 Thessalonians 1:11b, that our God would count you worthy Colossians 1:12; Revelation 3:4. 1271_s; 2 Thessalonians 1:12, That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified 1 Peter 1:7. 1271_t; 2 Thessalonians 1:12b, according to the grace of our God Grace imparted, 2 Timothy 2:1. (Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18. 715_a; Isaiah 2:12, For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one Ref. 2 Thessalonians 1:1, Introduction Day of Jehovah, Isaiah 2:10-22; Isaiah 4:1-6. (Revelation 19:11-21.) 1212_1; 1 Cor. 1:7, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Personal Presence Three words are used in connection with the return of the Lord: (1) Parousin. "personal presence," also used by Paul of the "coming" of Stephanas (1 Cor. 16:17), of Titus (2 Cor. 7:6-7), and of his own "coming" to Philippi (Phil. 1:26). The word means simply personal presence, and is used of the return of the Lord as that event relates to the blessing of saints (1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thes. 4:14, 17), and to the destruction of the man of sin (2 Thes. 2:8). (2) Apokalupsis, "unveiling," "revelation." The use of this word emphasizes the visibility of the Lord's return. It is used of the Lord (2 Thes. 1:7: 1 Pet. 1:7, 13; 1 Pet. 4:13), of the sons of God in connection with the Lord's return (Rom. 8:19), and of the man of sin (2 Thes. 2:3, 6, 8), and always implies visibility. (3) Epiphaneia, "appearing," trans. "brightness" (2 Thes. 2:8, A.V.; "manifestation," R.V.), and means simply an appearing. It is used of both advents (2 Tim. 1:10; 2 Thes. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:l, 8; Tit. 2:13). 1212_2; 1 Cor. 1:8, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Day Of Our Lord Jesus Christ The expression, "day of Christ," occurs in the following passages: 1 Cor. 1:8; 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10; Phil. 2:16; Phil. 1:6. Authorized Version has "day of Christ," 2 Thes. 2:2, incorrectly, for "day of the lord" (Isa. 2:12; Rev. 19:11-21). The "day of Christ" relates wholly to the reward and blessing of saints at His coming, as "day of the Lord" is connected with judgment. Angels Synopsis ~ CLICK 1291_1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7c, with his mighty angels Hebrews 1:4 Angel Summary "Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." Heb. 1:4; See Hebrews 1:4 Note: Angel, Summary. Passages on Page 1291 Referenced: 2 Sam. 14:20; Psa. 103:20; 104:4 Gen. 16:1-13; 21:17-19; 22:11-16; 31:11-13 Exodus 3:2-4; Judges 2:1; 6:12-16; 13:3-22 Mal. 3:1, (note)* Luke 7:24; Jas. 2:25 Rev. 1:20, Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Rev. 3:1, 7, 14. Rev 8:3-5; Mat. 18:10; Acts 12:15 Psa. 104:4; Heb 1:14 Gen. 19:1; Cf. verse 5, "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, . . ." Ex. 3:2; Num. 22:22-31; Judges. 2:1; Judges 6:11, 22; Judges 13:3, 6 1 Chr. 21:16, 20 Mat. 1:20; Luke 1:26; John 20:12 Acts 7:30; Acts 12:7, 8, etc. Mat 22:30; Mark 12:25 There are more verses including a more detailed discussion on Angels, Demons and other reated articles ascribed on page 'Matthew_SRB_18_notes.html' used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25). They are exceedingly numerous (Matt. 26:53; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11; Psa. 68:17). Their power is inconceivable (2 Kings 19:35). Their place is about the throne of God (Rev. 5:11; Rev. 7:11). Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers (1 Kings 19:5; Psa. 34:7; Psa. 91:11; Dan. 6:22; Matt. 2:13, 19; Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43; Acts 5:19; Acts 12;7-10). From Heb. 1:14, with Matt. 18:10; Psa. 91:11, it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us (1 Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:10; Eccl. 5:6), a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints (Luke 16:22). Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took " for a little" (time) this lower place (Psa. 8:4, 5; Heb. 2:6, 9) that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels (Heb. 2:9, 10). The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent (Matt. 25:31). To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations (see Matt. 13:30, 39, 41, 42; Matt. 25:32, note). The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:5). An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections (Dan. 10:13, 21; Dan. 12:1-2; Jude 1:9; 1 Thes. 4:16). The only other, angel whose name is revealed, Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services (Dan. 8:16: Dan. 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26). Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned: (1) "The angels which kept not their first estate [place], but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6; 1 Cor. 6:3; John 5:22). See Gen. 6:4, note. (2) The angels who have Satan (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 20:10, note) as leader. The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons (Matt. 7:22, note). For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). Jamieson, Robert, D.D. Introduction INTRODUCTION Its GENUINENESS is attested by POLYCARP [Epistle to the Philippians, 11], who alludes to 2 Thessalonians 3:15 JUSTIN MARTYR [Dialogue with Trypho, p. 193.32], alludes to 2 Thessalonians 2:3 [Against Heresies, 7.2] quotes 2 Thessalonians 2:8 CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA [Miscellanies, 1.5, p. 554; The Instructor, 1.17], quotes 2 Thessalonians 3:2 TERTULLIAN [On the Resurrection of the Flesh, 24] quotes 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2 DESIGN.--The accounts from Thessalonica, after the sending of the first Epistle, represented the faith and love of the Christians there as on the increase; and their constancy amidst persecutions unshaken. One error of doctrine, however, resulting in practical evil, had sprung up among them. The apostle's description of Christ's sudden second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13 its being at any time, led them to believe it was actually at hand. Some professed to know by "the Spirit" (2 Thessalonians 2:2 others alleged that Paul had said so when with them. A letter, too, purporting to be from the apostle to that effect, seems to have been circulated among them. (That 2 Thessalonians 2:2 rather than to Paul's first Epistle, appears likely from the statement, 2 Thessalonians 3:17 genuine letters might be known). Hence some neglected their daily business and threw themselves on the charity of others, as if their sole duty was to wait for the coming of the Lord. This error, therefore, needed rectifying, and forms a leading topic of the second Epistle. He in it tells them (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 come, there must first be a great apostasy, and the Man of Sin must be revealed; and that the Lord's sudden coming is no ground for neglecting daily business; that to do so would only bring scandal on the Church, and was contrary to his own practice among them (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 disorderly professors (2 Thessalonians 3:6,10-15 ions of the Thessalonians' faith, love, and patience, amidst persecutions. (2) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 and the previous rise and downfall of the Man of Sin foretold. (3) 2 Thessalonians 3:1-16 with prayers for them to the God of peace, followed by his autograph salutation and benediction. DATE OF WRITING.--AS the Epistle is written in the joint names of Timothy and Silas, as well as his own, and as these were with him while at Corinth, and not with him for a long time subsequently to his having left that city (compare Acts 18:18 Silas, it is doubtful whether he was ever subsequently with Paul), it follows, the place of writing must have been Corinth, and the date, during the one "year and six months" of his stay there, Acts 18:11 (namely, beginning with the autumn of A.D. 52, and ending with the spring of A.D. 54), say about six months after his first Epistle, early in A.D. 53. STYLE.--The style is not different from that of most of Paul's other writings, except in the prophetic portion of it (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 which is distinguished from them in subject matter. As is usual in his more solemn passages (for instance, in the denunciatory and prophetic portions of his Epistles, for example, compare Colossians 2:8,16 2 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Thessalonians 2:8,10 As the former Epistle dwells mostly on the second Advent in its aspect of glory to the sleeping and the living saints (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:28 this Epistle dwells mostly on it in its aspect of everlasting destruction to the wicked and him who shall be the final consummation of wickedness, the Man of Sin. So far was Paul from laboring under an erroneous impression as to Christ's speedy coming, when he wrote his first Epistle (which rationalists impute to him), that he had distinctly told them, when he was with them, the same truths as to the apostasy being about first to arise, which he now insists upon in this second Epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:5 the two Epistles, confirming the genuineness of the latter. Thus, compare 2 Thessalonians 3:2 "coming after the working of Satan," with 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 3:5 incipient work as the hinderer of the Gospel, and the tempter, appears; again, mild warning is enjoined, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 second Epistle, when the evil had grown worse, stricter discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:6,14 Paul probably visited Thessalonica on his way to Asia subsequently (Acts 20:4 former became his "companion in travel" and shared with him his perils at Ephesus, also those of his shipwreck, and was his "fellow prisoner" at Rome (Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24 bishop of Apamea. Adam Clarke Introduction Chronological Notes relative to this Epistle. Year of the Constantinopolitan era of the world, or that used by the Byzantine historians, 5560. Year of the Alexandrian era of the world, 5554. Year of the Antiochian era of the world, 5544. Year of the Julian period, 4762. Year of the world, according to Archbishop Usher, 4056. Year of the world, according to Eusebius, in his Chronicon, 4280. Year of the minor Jewish era of the world, or that in common use, 3812. Year of the Greater Rabbinical era of the world, 4411. Year from the Flood, according to Archbishop Usher, and the English Bible, 2400. Year of the Cali yuga, or Indian era of the Deluge, 3154. Year of the era of Iphitus, or since the first commencement of the Olympic games, 992. Year of the era of Nabonassar, king of Babylon, 799. Year of the CCVIIth Olympiad, 4. Year from the building of Rome, according to Fabius Pictor, 799. Year from the building of Rome, according to Frontinus, 803. Year from the building of Rome, according to the Fasti Capitolini, 804. Year from the building of Rome, according to Varro, which was that most generally used, 805. Year of the era of the Seleucidae, 364. Year of the Cesarean era of Antioch, 100. Year of the Julian era, 97. Year of the Spanish era, 90. Year from the birth of Jesus Christ according to Archbishop Usher, 56. Year of the vulgar era of Christ's nativity, 52. Year of Ventidius Cumanus, governor of the Jews, 4. Year of Vologesus, king of the Parthians, 3. Year of Caius Numidius Quadratus, governor of Syria, 2. Year of Ananias, high priest of the Jews, 8. Year of the Dionysian period, or Easter Cycle, 53. Year of the Grecian Cycle of nineteen years, or Common Golden Number, 15; or the second year after the fifth embolismic. Year of the Jewish Cycle of nineteen years, 12, or the first after the fourth embolismic. Year of the Solar Cycle, 5. Dominical Letters, it being Bissextile, or Leap Year, BA. Day of the Jewish Passover, according to the Roman computation of time, the Calends of April, i.e. April 1st, which happened in this year on the Jewish Sabbath. Easter Sunday, April 2. Epact, or the moon's age on the 22d of March, or the XIth of the Calends of April, 4. Epact, according to the present mode of computation, or the moon's age on New Year's day, or the Calends of January, 11. Monthly Epacts, of the moon's age on the Calends of each month respectively, (beginning with January,) 11,13, 12,13, 14,15, 16,17, 18,18, 20,20. Number of Direction, or the number of days from the twenty-first of March (or the XIIth of the Calends of April) to the Jewish Passover, 10 Year of Claudius Caesar, the fifth emperor of the Romans, 12. Roman Consuls, Publius Cornelius Sylla Faustus, and Lucius Salvius Otho Titianus; and for the following year, (which is by some supposed to be the date of this epistle,) Decimus Junius Silanus, and Quintus Haterius Antoninus. Additional Resources  • Adam Clark Commentary  • Burton Coffman  • Barnes' New Testament  • Darby's Synopsis  • Gill's Exposition  • David Guzik's Commentaries  • Jamieson, Fausset, Brown  • Matthew Henry Complete  • Matthew Henry Concise  • People's New Testament  • Robertson's Word Pictures  • Treasury of Scripture  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes Top of SRB References ^ Top of JFB Comentary ^ Top Of Adam Clarke Commentary ^ Top of Page ^ Copyright Statement These files are considered public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available in the Online Bible Software Library. Bibliography Information Scofield, C. I. "Scofield Reference Notes on 2 Thessalonians 1". "Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)". <http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/view.cgi?book=2th&chapter=001>. 1917.